Turning down lucrative deals in the Middle East and in Melbourne, Newcastle might be the next place to pitch to Harry Kewell.
Newcastle Jets Chief Executive Robbie Middleby said his club has discussed the possibility of signing Harry Kewell in the past and wouldn’t rule it out again.
Speaking after the sudden departure of striker Ryan Griffiths to Chinese League One club Beijing Baxy FC, Middleby confirmed the club’s interest in the 34-year-old Socceroos star.
“We’ve talked about Harry Kewell before and he’s been a fabulous player for the A-League,’’ Middleby told the Newcastle Herald.
Kewell knocked back a $1 million offer to re-sign with Melbourne Victory this season as well as a number of lucrative Middle East
deals, to return to England for family reasons.
As a result, his last competitive match was the Socceroos’ FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifier against Oman eight months ago.
When asked if Jets would consider an approach to Kewell with a view to replacing Griffiths next season, Middleby said: “That’s definitely an option… potentially he’s a player we could look at.”
Kewell has expressed his desire to play club football again on a number of occasions and reportedly knocked back a lucrative deal to join a Chinese Super League club this year, leading to speculation an A-League return is imminent.
The player believes he can still make an effective contribution to the A-League, citing the example of 38-year-old Sydney FC marquee Alessandro Del Piero in an interview with News Limited: “He’s a good example of someone who is still competitive and he’s, what, 38 or 39?,” Kewell said of Del Piero.
“Football has changed, I think. It used to be that you would start considering retirement after 30 but guys now are playing well on into their thirties,” Kewell said.
“Obviously to be considered for the Socceroos again I need to get a club. I would move back to Australia again, definitely.
“I would consider any offer. I’m open to all suggestions. I feel like I still have a few good seasons left. But whatever the decision is
it has to be the right one for me and my family.”
Source: SBS
